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Nov. 30, 1943-Sept. 18, 2026
Minot
Donald Ladner, 82, of Minot, ND, died peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026 in a Minot assisted living facility.
Donald Ray was born in St. Paul, MN, on November 30, 1943 to Gottleib and Irene (Mettler) Ladner. The family moved to Eureka, SD, and later to Aberdeen, SD, where he grew up. At an early age he developed an interest in anything with a motor and built numerous go-carts throughout his youth. Thus, came Don's love for building cars.
Don graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1962. While in high school, he worked for an appliance store, repairing washers and dryers. In 1963, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force and did his basic training at San Antonio, TX. After basic training he requested a duty assignment at the Minot Air Force Base, everyone wondered why! The last 18 months of duty he was stationed at Goose Bay Labrador. Don was honorably discharged in1967.
On January 14,1968, Don married Diane Fuerst. Together they had 3 boys: Scott, Mark and Dave. Don began his employment with Northern States Power in 1968 as an ash handler and later became a lineman. He worked for NSP (Xcel Energy) for 33 years, retiring in March of 2001. On October 14, 1977, Don had an electrical contact incident. He was given lifesaving CPR by Donald Cree to whom we will be forever grateful.
Don's interest in cars continued throughout his life, building numerous cars from the ground up. He enjoyed time with the boys, building each one of them a Tri-Five Chevy. His favorite car was his first, a 1934 Ford 5 window coupe. Other favorites included a 1932 Ford 3 window coupe, a 1957 Chevy 2 door hardtop, & a 1958 Corvette. Summers were filled with get-to-gathers with cherished car friends, rod runs and Back to the 50's in St. Paul, MN. Many wonderful memories! He was an original member of the North Dakota Street Rod Association and one of the founding members of the Dakota Cruisers.
After his car accident, 4 years ago, Don couldn't work on his cars as much as he wanted, so he transitioned to working on Legos. He found joy building app-controlled Legos, which included a Cat D11 Bulldozer and a Liebherr 9800 Excavator. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for 50 plus years. During this time, he contributed as an Elder and usher.
Don is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and sister-in-law Carol Dawson.
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years: Diane; and their three sons: Scott (Julie) and their daughters: Ally and Mandy of Minot, ND; Mark (Andrea) and their daughter: Regan of Peoria, AZ; David (Tracea) and their daughters: Kelsie and Brooklynn of Rapid City, SD; sister: Margaret (Ed) of Bath, SD; brother: Dennis (Mary) of Aberdeen, SD; half-brothers: Adam Heyd (Kathy) and Michael Heyd all of Aberdeen, SD; brother-in-law: Kevin Fuerst of Wichita, KS and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Service: Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 22, 2026.